davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
BARNUM's CIRCUS.
The Exhibitions Friday 90 Large
OrOvgds-En ate of ahe Receipts.

OrOWds-Estlmst ate of ahe Receipts.
Barnum's greatest show on earth gave
two performances In Wilmington Friday
to large assemblages Of people. In the
afternoon the immense canvas, seating over
$1,000 people, was fllled, and In the evening
thfGe VEGA probably II 200 people to Wit
ness the performance. The receipts for
admissions to the main tent for tue two
performances are roughly estimated at
$4,000. In addition TO this there were side
shows, concerts, &C., and 1t Is probable that
fully $4,000 were taken In Friday by
the great Snowman for admissions. The
expenses Of the circus are said to be over
$4,000 per day, considerable increase
having been added by the Interstate Com
enormous. Flfty-two cars for the cages,
horses, properties and sleeping apartments
for the people are required to move the
great show, and these are divided into
three and four trains. There are $40 men
with the show and 400 horses, $50 OF which
appear in the parade, the rest being utilized
for draught purposes.
maintained the reputation OF the veteran
for giving the best possible entertainment
OF its kind. The programme included
everything ever attempted In the saw-dust
ring, and those performing were the best In
their respective lines. Some OF the trapeze
acting was wonderfully fine, and the bare
back riding was exceptionally good as was
the bicycle performances. Almost the same
words would apply to the entire exhibition.
A novel feature Of the show was the ex-
hibition by Paul Boyton In bis rubber suit.
1t was given In a small pool OF water about
five feet In depth and Illustrated the swim
mer's methods of navigation, which were
quite interesting. There was no disturbance
OF any kind during the day or evening, the
best Of order being maintained. A detail
of policemen under Sergeant Taylor were
stationed about the tents In readiness to act
promptly IL their services had been needed.
Some eolored people, however, In the morn
Chief Grant OF the Chippewa Indians,
they. perhaps thinking he did not under
stand English. The proud aboriglne, how
ever, understood their conversation and was
SO greatly incensed that be had to be paci-
fed by some Of the managers, to prevent o
practical exhibition OF his fury.
The performances OF Friday night clos ed
about 1880 O'Clock, and by midnighti the
entire circus was loaded on the cars, and
the lot at Second and Lincoln streets was
entirely deserted. There were many In
quirles as to whether the veteran Barnum
was with the circus many having desire
to see the Snowman He, however, does
not travel with his circus, but remains at
his home at Bridgeport, Conn.,, but through
letters from his different managers and
partner Mr.. Cooper, daily kilograms and
news papers. learns everything that Is going
on. Mr.. Barnum is " years oil. age, hale
and hearty, and maintains as keen an
interest In 0utriVaiing all rivals as he has
aver done,
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
4 RoRnIsEE AooIpEKr.


Ris Body ON the RaIirssd.
A horrible accident occurred at the
crossing of the Wilmington Il Northern
and p, W. a. b. railroads, between the
west yard aud Delaware junction, about 5
O'Clock Thursday evening, by which one
an was instantly killed and another had
his foot crushed. Bot b men were en-
ployes Of the W. Il N. railroad. Archi-
bald Fleming, q brakeman, aged 20 years.
and living at 100 Shipley street, forfeited
bis life, and Thomas Cochran, conductor,
living at No. 100 West Second street,
had his foot crushed.
The unfortunate affair occurred at the
point where the w. a. N. extension to the
Delaware river crosses the p, W. q B.
tracks dia9onally. Thomas Oochran says
that engine No. was crossing the p, W.
& b. tracks and Fleming and himself
were standing on step holding on to the
engine. The p, w. 4 B. tracks at that
point were out of repair and juttsd mp.
just as the engine reached this
track, the step on which the men
were standing was caught by the
projecting rail and both men had their
feet drawn under the track. Cochran
held on to the engine with all his strength,
but Fleming lost his grip and was drawn
under the engine. He clutched Cochran
as he went down, but the latter held fast.
The engine passed directly over Fleming's
neck and severed the head from the body,
few leaders being the only fastening be-
tween the two parts. The engine was
moving slowly at the time, and when the
accident occurred Il stopped within half
Of its own length. The dead and wounded
were removed to their respective homes.
Fleming was the main support of his
widowed mother. He had several younger
brothers and sisters. Cochran Is a
married man. His injuries are not
serious and he will only be laid up short
time.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
r,nIn,unrn NAVAL Cndels.

James T. Bootes and John q. TawreHey
of this city, cadets in the United States
Navy, who graduated from the Naval
Academy in 1885, have just returned to
Annapolis after two years cruise, and
have reported for final examination at the
end of the six-year course. Mr.. Bootes
performed his cruise on the Brooklyn,
flagship Of the Asiatic squadron, and Mr..
Tawresey was aboard the Omaha, also at
tached TO the Asiatic station. Another
member of the class of 1886 is William
Mckay of Olaymont, this county, who has
for the past two years had billet on the
flagship Pensacola Of the European fleet.
The final examinations will take place at
the Naval Academy during the latter part
of this month or early in June, as soon as
all the members of the class report, after
which the members will be ready for
commissions in the United States navy.
Delaware's representatives make strong
showing in this class. Each Of the
three young men named entered the
Academy as cadet engineers. In the class
which graduates from the four-year
course at the Naval Academy on the 10th
of next June Delaware has one represent
alive, L. O. Bertolette of this city. There
will not be another vacancy at the acad-
envy in the regular order for this Con
gressional district until 1883, when the
graduating class of this year will have its
final examination. Senator Gray is a
member of the board Of visitors to the
Naval Academy this year. The board
performs its duties in June.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
Death OF Mrs. L. n. sisson.


Mrs. Lydia b. Sisson, widow Of Silas
Sisson, died at her residence, No. sol
West Fifth street, Thursday afternoon.
Mrs. Sisson was in her SD year. Her
demise followed somewhat protracted
illness covering nearly seven weeks.
Mrs, Sisson came of good New
England stock. Her maiden name
was Lydia Ball Davis, and she was niece
of the celebrated John Davis, three times
elected United States senator from Mas
sachusetts, and known throughout that
state as "Honest John Davis" Through
out her life the deceased displayed the
folce of character to be expected of q
scion of that sturdy stock. She
migrated to Kentucky with her hus-
band when young woman, and
there her children were born. When
the civil war came on the family were en-
thusiastio Union people and they came
north rather than remain in a community
that sympsthized with the rebellion
They settled temporarily in Burlington,
New Jersey, where Mr.. Sisson died,
and in the year 1867 his widow
and her two daughters, Mrs. A. l..
oonant and Miss Mary d. Sisson, moved
to Wilmington, where they have since re.
sided. They were OF the Unitarian faith
and were amongst those most active and
liberal in establishing the church of that
denomination in this city. Mrs. Sisson
was personally woman Of strong con-
victions, yet she embodied all the quail
ties contained in the term gentlewoman.
In her church ai5 in society she was
ever the recipient et the most sincere re-
spect. To those Mo knew her more in
timately she ever appeared staunch
friend and kindly hostess, and an
altogether loyable woman, and all such
will sympathize meat sincerely with her
bereaved family in the loss Of one who
has for 30 long beez its head. The fun
eral took place from the residence No.
Sol West Fifth stIeet on Saturday after
noon. Interment was made at Laurel
Hill cemetery, Philadelphia.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
MEXICAN EARTHQUAKES.
4 Dozen Killed aud Many Injured
-CreVices and smmense OhAA ms.

4 Dozen Killed aud Many Injured
-Crevices and smmense OhAsms.
SAN Francisco, May VA special to
the Call from Hermosilo, Mexico, re-
ceived last night, says the courier sent
by the commission now examining into
the seismic disturbances which have oc-
CURED in the Sierra Madre mountains re-
Gently, arrived at Uras to. day. He is the
bearer of the following dispatch to Gov.
Torres
In the Puebla of Bahispe City, four
persons were killed and nineteen were
injured. In oputo nine were killed.
Both Pueblas were destroyed. The in.
habitants of Bahispe, Bacarsc, Opata and
Guasevai are living in the fields under
trees and in dugouts There has been
repeated succession of shocks, though
they have been lighter than that of the
Sd instant. A panic existed everywhere,
and q number Of women died from fright.
A wide territory is scanned with orevices
and immense chasms. The earth has sunk
in many places and is flooded with water,
making swamps where there never was
any water before. In many mountains
are to be seen what appears to be erup-
tons, and continuous smoke indicates
volcanic action. These mountains have
not yet been explored, continuous trem-
ors and great chasms making the ap-
proach thereto at the present time most
difficult and dangerous.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19

STATE PHARMAOIsTs.
OFRs nixation of the State PhArnan-
cenGAcnl society. ThuEnday EIec-
hfsssr 0F DfEicnra.

OrRs nixation of the State PhArnln-
censAcal society: Thursday EIec-
ltom of Officers.
The druggists OF this State met Thurs
day afternoon, al the Board OF Trade
rooms. and organized State Pharma-
oeutical Society.
The following were present at the
meeting: a. X. Bringhurst, John
NJ. Harvey, N. B. Danforth, Jacob s.
Beetem, j. M. Griffen, Herbert K Wat
son, James Il. Morgan, F. g. Fem, r.
B. Cartmell, F. w. Friend, Harry Full
lerton, e. M. White, j. Gaylord Bragg
don, Middletown; George e. Smith,
Laurel; and W. J. Ferris, New Castle.
The following officers were elected Z:
President, 81. R. Bringhurst; Vice-Presi-
dents, j. Gaylord Bragdon, Middletown !;
George Z. Smith. Laurel Secretary and
Treasurer, John M. Harvey.
A constitution was adopted, with rules
and regulations. The following 10 names
were chosen to be sent to Governor Biggs
who will select Ave from the list as a
State Board of Pharmacy: James d. Nor.
gan, JaReh s. RaataDa. John NJ. Harvey
Frank b. Smith, T.. q. Fem, j r. Hoffecker
Smyrna; DIR. Frank e. Stewart, DIR. L. H.
bravo, DIR. w. H. Cooper, Benton, and
DR.. Hugh Martin, Seaford.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
4 rRELYE-HouR SWIM.


The Two Champions, Butler sind
k'terson, 80 Swim I'm tine Naratorkusm
for a25O,
A. s. Webster of the natatoriuin has
offered prize of $3.50 TO be SWIM for
next month. A match has been arranged
between Dennis F. Butler of Philadel-
phia, the we'll known swimming cham
pion, and John Pierson of this city, the
local champion in natatorial feats, to
come off at the natstorium. The terms
are arranged as follows. Commencing
Monday evening, June 9Th, Butler and
Pierson will swim two hours each even
ing for six consecutive days, the party
covering the most miles at the end of the
week to take the purse.
Mr.. Butler is well-known contestant
for swimming prizes. Out of a. contests
he has lost but four. He has beaten a
variety Of noted swimmers of this coun-
try, England and Canada, and holds sew
ersl medals and decorations. Mr.. Pierson
is we'll known to all Wilmingtonisns as a
fast and graceful swimmer.
Persons opponent performed the diff
cult feat of swimming the East river,
N. Y, with his arms and feet bound
around with 80 yards of clothesline. Both
Butler and Pierson were life guards, hired
to look after the bathers at Atlantic City.
In 1881 they saved 81 lives, and the city
council made q special appropriation Of
800, which was presented to them for
their exceptional services.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19

smyrna record,
We are to have an election of the most
important kind next fall. II is to decide
whether we shall have constitutional
convention. No party politics ought to
enter into the contest; for all parties are
pledged by their records to revision of
the constitution, and If they have been
sincere, all parties will unite in favor OF
the convention. The Legislature which
passed the bill providing for the coming
election was Democratic; four peais ago
the Legislature being Democratic, pro-
posed amendments TO the constitution !;
Democratic State and county conventions
have spoken in favor of changes in the
constitution. Therefore, we may con-
slider the Democrats pledged to the idea
of constitutional reform. When the
Republicans made their last stubborn or
hopeful fight In the State, 1t was based on
promises Of new constitution, and a
campaign boat on wheels which they
dragged through the State bore the name
New Constitution The Republicans
have repeatedly declared in favor Of a
new constitution, and have complained TO
the country at large of hardships which
they suppose themselves to have suffered
under the present constitution. Therefore,
they are pledged to the idea of constitu-
tional reform. The Temperance Reform
party is welded above everything else to
constitutional reform. And so it seems that
all shades of political opinion blend in
this movement for a convention. The
newspapers of the Stkte have with remark
able unanimity agreed in favoring new
constitution. If parties and papers have
meant what they have said we can carry the
election in favor of convention. But we
must put shoulder to the wheel and COM
mence to push the cart along. The people
know that we favor a convention; they
need to know why we favor it. The Record
proposes TO do its share of the work by
giving reasons for the faith within il be-
tween now and election day. II calls on
the other papers of the State to give the
people definite reasons in favor Of new
constitution. Let the papers read the
present constitution with the magnifying
glass of close study, and point out TO the
people the particular places in which our
fundamental law needs amendment. II
the people be fully informed Of the needs
of the case, political tricksters will be un.
able to mislead them when voting time
comes. The time of loud professions in
this work has passed, and the time fol
hard and honest effort Is coming on.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19

STANFORD, Cons, May 16.--The will
of the late Oliver Hoyt was lodged for
probate this afternoon in the Stamford
probate office. The will was made about
one year ago. The executors are Mr..
Hoyt's Oldest SON and Mark Hoyt of
Brooklyn, brother of the deceased man.
The widow is bequeathed $500. 900 and
the use during her lifetime of all the
property of the deceased in Stamford.
The remainder OF the estate iH divided
among the sons. The following requests
are also made: Missionary Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, New
York, $4,000; Wesleyan University,
$25, 900; Cornell College, Iowa, $40, 900 ;
Methodist Episcopal Hospital, Brooklyn,
$40, 900; trustees of New York East
Conference, $1,000; New York Confer.
ence, $1,000; American Bible Society
$40, 900. There will be hearing on the
will before Fl. Stanley Finch, Judge Of
Probate, on Monday next.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19


Four Men Breask an n Earm-b ouse,
Bind the Occupants and Steal
$500.
Special Correspondence OF Gazette and journal
GREENSBORO, Nd, May ia daring
robbery occurred near Whiteleysburg
shortly before midnight. Four men de-
manded an entrance TO the house of
James Porter, misery farmer, and, upon
being refused, they broke in and bound
Porter and his aged wife, after wonderful
resistance from the old couple. Pistol
shots were fired, one ball cutting fur
rough in Porter's cheek. The robbers
obtained So, 800 in cash and bonds and
took the old mans best horse and drove
off. Porter freed himself after daylight
and gave the alarm.
George Taggart, an old horse thief, re-
Gently in Oentreyille Jail, is suspected as
being one of the robbers. Porter's wife
may die from the shock and rough sreat-
maut
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
TIE sHAD SEASON.
TI,a RextnmIuR OF the Eud-A FniT
SeMSOU Tor the Etshermens


The law for the catching of shad OK.
pires on June 10th, after which date 1t
will be unlawful to catch the scaly beau
Ties. The shad season, however, is
already on the decline and practically IS
generally closed before the expiration OF
fhe law. About 700 arrived by Captain
Webber's boats Tuesday and 25O on
the Fannie Il. They bring SIG wholesale
and from is to So cents retail.
Their scarcity has sent the prices up to
these figures although for the past Two
weeks they have been selling Of low
fieures. sfWe are now running on what
are called thel.May shad," said Captain
Webber Tuesday morning. "They are
shorter and much thicker than the
sbad we have been catching and
have two rows of strips along the side m
stead Of one. The season has been o fair
one although somewhat late. l heard
this morning OF one man whose reeeip.s
aggregated $500 for bis net. If he hlred
tSe net and his two men, he has cleared
over $500 on the season, because the bal
ance of the season will swell the
amount of his gross receipts to VI, IVY.
IN oourse, If he has partner, ms
share will be somewhat less. We only
have one big run of shad In season:
This generally happens the latter part OF
Anvil although this year it came in May.
This heavy run lasts for about WEEK 81
Then there is fair sprinkhng when IN, s
moon changes again, which see VIII
take place in few days."
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
Trouble az Tang iers.
n ltl,,.as. Q,,,. 1v,a,,f.1

0SANoocK, Va, May 17.-PersoDs ar
irving here from Tangiers Island, in the
Chesapeake bay, bring tidings of dis
turbance that occurred at the Methodist
Church last Sunday night. A revival
meeting was in progress and large
crowd filled the church. Among those
present was Thaddeus Whitley, young
colored man, who is said to have gone to
the church on the invitation Of the trus-
tees. His presence gave offence to four
young men, who went at him with drawn
knives and ordered him to leave. He
finally left the church, when the four
young men followed him and knocked
him down, cutting his face and fracturing
his skull. He would probably have Jared
worse IL persons in the church had not
heard his cries for help and forced his
assailants TO desist. Warrants were sworn
out before Justice w. Weaver here for the
arrest of Milton Marshall, James Crockett,
John Spence and Ellis Parks, charged
with assaulting Whitley, and a constable
will leave here for the island tomorrow
morning. There are about 500 people
living on the island, of whom only two
are colored.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
Pnterson,s Go.tlv Firc.

PATERSON, N. j., May 1S.-The loss by
the destruction of the works of the
Paterson Iron Company, last night, is
estimated at from $250,000 to 5000, COO.
The machinery constitutesthe chief loss.
Some idea of its value may be gathered from
the fact that the forge department with
its machinery cost $50, 0O0; steel plate
mill, 100000; blacksmith department,
$4,000 and the face plate lathe, with its
foundation, $l5, 900. The buildings are
in total ruins. The insurance aggregates
S75 600
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19
Passed AWAY suddenly.

Eliza Draper, an old ooiored woman
about 10 years old, was found dead on
the floor of the room in the house No.
513t Tatnall street Sunday morning.
She was widow and boarded with the
family at that place. She came home on
Saturday evening apparently in good
health. She did not come down to break
fast Sunday morning and when an In
vestigation was made she was found dead
on the floor. Coroner Barnhill took
charge Of the remains and upon an in.
vestigation by DR.. Springer, he gave a
certificate of death from heart disease.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-19

washington y rreeponueuco b4ttlnlOre sun.
As connected with the approaching an.
nual convention of the Protestant Epis-
copal diocese of Maryland, soon to con-
vene at Baltimore, there has been some
little discussion in Episcopal church
circles as to the propriety and expediency
of creating new diocese to include the
territory of the District of Columbia. This
is subject which has been more or less
discussed here for several years past, but
the sentiment in its favor has not
as yet appeared to assume formidable
proportions. The Protestant Episcopal
Church in this district is, however, in a
hourishing condition, and there are two
or three parishes in Washington which
are as prosperous and influential as any
in the diocese of Maryland. II ia believed
that in due time separate diocese will
be created for this district, and it is not
improbable that the matter may be brought
before the convention next week. There
are various preliminaries to be attended
to before new diocese can be created,
even after all immediately concerned are
agreed upon that point, so that in any
event it will not take place in the imme-
mediate future.